HUSSLE HAILED
Stars honor rapper as prophet at L.A. rites
Entertainment’s elite filled Los Angeles’ cavernous Staples Center Thursday to salute slain rapper Nipsey Hussle, whose entrepreneurial drive transcended the music industry and inspired fans across the world.
The Grammy-nominated rapper who was gunned down last week on a South L.A. street was remembered as a visionary prophet and a positive-preaching performer who had no quit in his game.
Whether it was a stirring song from Stevie Wonder, a moving letter from former President Barack Obama or melancholy memories from his mother, the mourners paying tribute to Hussle, whose real name was Ermias Joseph Asghedom, all mentioned the impact he had, both big and small.
Hussle’s older brother, Samiel Asghedom, recalled how a 12-year-old Hussle cluttered the room they shared with discarded computer components that he was determined to put together.
“Nip would come home from school with a backpack full of computer parts,” Asghedom said. “I came home one day and the computer was working.
“I hope he knows I loved him and I was proud of him,” Asghedom said. “I know he loved me, man.”
Obama’s letter touched on Hussle’s commitment to L.A.’s Crenshaw neighborhood.
“He set an example for young people to follow,” Obama said in the note that was read aloud at the service. He noted that Hussle saw “hope” and “potential” in an area where many others do not.
The tribute to Hussle, which featured a eulogy by Nation of Islam leader Minister Louis Farrakhan, lasted more than three hours and created a huge traffic jam when it was over.
Speakers and performers included Snoop Dogg, Jhene Aiko, Marsha Ambrosius and Anthony Hamilton.
Aiko sang “Eternal Sunshine” earlier in the service. Ambrosias also gave an emotional performance of “Fly Like A Bird,” while Hamilton had a powerful rendition of “Do You Feel Me.”
“One thing that me and Nip had, we had a kind spirit,” Snoop said of his longtime friend. “We had a spirit of love.”
Hussle, 33, was shot in the head and torso March 31 in a brazen, broad-daylight attack caught on surveillance video outside his apparel store, The Marathon Clothing, in the Hyde Park neighborhood south of Crenshaw.
The alleged gunman, Eric Holder, engaged in multiple conversations with the rapper before returning to Hussle’s store with a handgun and opening fire, LAPD Chief Michel Moore said last week. Moore said a “personal matter” and “dispute” preceded the rampage and that Holder “purposely and repeatedly” fired at Hussle, killing the “Victory Lap” rapper and injuring two other men.
Holder, 29, remained in custody Thursday after pleading not guilty to murder and attempted murder charges last week.
Wonder moved the crowd with a performance of his song “Rocket Love,” but not before reflecting on the sad state of affairs that led to Hussle’s death.
“It is so painful to know that we don’t have enough people taking a position that says ‘listen, we must have stronger gun laws,’” Wonder said. “It’s unacceptable. It’s almost like the world is becoming blind.”
Hussle was in a long-term relationship with actress Lauren London when he died. The couple share a 2-year-old son.
Included in the memorial service’s program was a heartfelt text message London sent to Hussle in January.
“I want you to know I feel real Joy in my heart when I’m around you,” the message reads.